SUP Wise Skill Levels & Progression
SUP Wise Skill Levels and Progression
SUP Wise is ASI’s official system for identifying your stand up paddling skill level. It uses a location based structure so you always know the type of water you’re competent in, the skills you’ve mastered, and what you can work on next.
The SUP Wise locations each have different environmental conditions, which require different skills & techniques. Each SUP Wise location builds on the next to create natural progression.
But you don’t have to move through every location to keep improving. Within a location environment, you can continue developing your skills, refining your paddle stroke, speed, efficiency and board control. Every location offers opportunities to grow, and paddlers can build technique wherever they feel comfortable.
For those planning to become instructors, SUP Wise is the easiest way to check your current ability level and identify any skills you may need to strengthen before enrolling.
No confusion. No guessing. Just clear skills, clear environments, and steady improvement.
Read: 6 Game Changing Reasons To Perfect Your SUP Stroke Technique
Enclosed Flat Water
Paddling at inland locations, (lakes, rivers, canals) with flat water and calm conditions.
3 levels of paddle stroke technique - basic, foundation, and technical—allowing you to master skills at your own pace.
Read more..
Exposed Waters (Coastal)
Paddling in coastal locations where water conditions may vary from calm to choppy, but no breaking waves. Identifies additional paddle techniques and ocean knowledge to paddle with ease. Start on small chop and progress to paddling in swell/unbroken waves up to 2ft. Read more..
SUP Surfing
Catch breaking waves. Identifies the added challenges in your ability to safely control the board, to negotiate and catch waves, understanding surf conditions, types of manoeuvres. You will need to be competent at paddling at exposed waters in 2ft swell, before you start learning to SUP surf. 3 levels of SUP surfing skills - beginner, intermediate, advanced
SUP Downwind
SUP downwinding uses specialized stand-up paddleboards, ocean swells, and the wind to propel you through an unforgettable adventure. You will need to be competent at paddling exposed waters in 2ft swell, before you start learning to downwind. Read more..
Want to Improve Your Skills?
If you want to build your SUP skills or refine your technique, ASI SUP Wise Programs provide clear, structured ways to develop your paddling. Each option aligns with the SUP Wise system so you can see exactly where your ability sits and what to work on next.
With 3 x ASI SUP Wise course programs.
Delivered by ASI accredited schools or ASI.
Read about ASI SUP Wise publications
Guided | ASI SUP Wise ACTIV
Perfect for beginners looking to build confidence, this program walks you through the basics across three fun, practical bite-sized modules (Starter, Improver, Cruiser) so you can enjoy paddling safely under expert guidance - unlocking the ability to rent boards in supervised locations.
Modules: 1-2 hours each. SUP Wise logbook provided. Delivered by ASI Accredited Schools. Find schools
Independent | ASI SUP Wise CERTIFICATE
Designed for individuals, school groups or community groups ready for structured progression, this 10–12 hour (5/6 sessions) course deepens your practical skills and theory so you can confidently explore your local waterways on your own and rent boards.
Student logbook or student workbook and certificate provided.
Delivered by ASI Accredited Schools. Find schools
Global | ASI SUP Wise INTENSIV
The ultimate deep-dive for dedicated paddlers, this advanced program offers 12 months of online manual access and detailed feedback on your own paddle stroke video. Improve your paddle stroke, unlock independent paddling worldwide and opportunity to earn your ASI Paddlers Card, for easy access to equipment rentals worldwide.
Delivered by ASI. Read more..
